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The Theme Of Characterism In 'The Kite Runner'?

Decent Essays

The Kite Runner is a very fascinating, yet, extremely intriguing novel that displays a wide variety of literary elements and themes throughout the entirety of the story. The book is widely remarked as a masterpiece of literature amongst many and is commonly used as a source of learning for many people to gain vital literary experience, such as our class. There are many topics or viewpoints within the text that can be analyzed and discussed. Some of those topics prove to be a great way to reflect on the ways we can respond to literature. In the Kite Runner, the reader meets a variety of intriguing and fascinating characters who display distinct characteristics or traits. One of those characters, who is believed to display a wide a scale of these traits, and consequently flaws, is Baba. Starting off with what many believe is Baba’s greatest quality, is being Tenacious. Hosseini clearly makes it known to the audience throughout the novel, especially in chapter twelve, that Baba never gives up and never backs down which is clearly shown when Amir describes their hospital visit, “THEY DISCHARGED BABA two days later. They brought in a specialist called a radiation oncologist to talk Baba into getting radiation treatment. Baba refused. They tried to talk me into talking him into it. But I'd seen the look on Baba's face. I thanked them, signed their forms, and took Baba home in my Ford Torino”(Hosseini 137). Tenacity comes in all forms of people. From some trying to excel in school or sports, to those like Baba, who wants to keep his confidence and what he worked so hard for like building orphanages and always lending a helping hand. Ultimately, as a reader, it can be concluded that Baba wanted to simply establish his legacy to Kabul and it’s people. The other trait which is not so beneficial to Baba and the reputation of his personality is how egotistical he is. Baba’s self centeredness often affects the way others view him, which is quite the opposite of what he wants. Along with his relationship with people, such as his own son Amir as shown early on to set the tone of the book in chapter 3 when Amir says, “Later that night, I was passing by my father's study when I overheard him speaking to Rahim Khan. I

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